TeleVox volunteer reaches out to children

MOBILE, Alabama — Rebekah Johnson helps children through a variety of volunteer projects and ministries. "Hurting children are my calling," said Johnson, mother of two toddlers and a quality systems and compliance leader at TeleVox Software Inc.

"It is a blessing and a curse when God deposits an ounce of his love for children in one of our hearts," she said. "It can hurt, but it can motivate you to do things you never thought you would be able to do for the sake of showing that ounce to a child."

Because of her calling, Johnson now volunteers at Light of the Village Christian Academy in Prichard's Alabama Village. She first learned of the ministry led by John and Dolores Eads through Volunteers of America and her employer's Sunshine Committee, which leads company-wide volunteer efforts.

Initially, TeleVox conducted a casserole drive to collect food for the academy's students so they could have a hot meal for lunch. The employees collected over 300 casseroles and the Sunshine Committee invited the Eads to make a presentation at TeleVox, which allows employees to participate in volunteer activities during company time.

"The casserole drive, that's been awesome," said John Eads. "The fact that people took their time to make something special for the kids to enjoy — what a neat way for people to contribute and help these kids get a good lunch. It's so unique and special and personal."

After the presentation, Johnson learned the academy needed someone to teach the children about technology.

"As a leader in a technology company, how could I turn down this need?" said Johnson. "Education is one of the greatest gifts you could give a child. For the students at Light of the Village, I have come to see that education is also the pathway to a life without drugs, violence and crime."

This year, Johnson will return to teach the weekly class, which focuses on programs like Excel and PowerPoint, at the academy that was once a crack house.

"Rebekah has been such a blessing," said Dolores Eads, "just her willingness to come and help lead us in the technology lessons. She took the time out of her work schedule to come and be with our kids. She showed such warmth, encouragement and patience. TeleVox just has a real heart there for the community and we're so appreciative of everything they did to help us this past year."

Through the Sunshine Committee, Johnson has also worked with the Ronald McDonald House and in April was chosen to be a "McModel" for the nonprofit's second annual fashion show fundraiser, which, she said, raised $90,000.

"It was an honor to be a part of the event," said Johnson. "I personally know several families who have stayed in the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile and have witnessed the caring support they have provided our community for years. What's so great about Ronald McDonald House is they have volunteer opportunities for anyone and just about anything you could imagine a house would need. The only requirement is just a moment of your time."

Johnson has published a children's book, "I Am Special Because God Made Me," which was inspired by her former pastor's daughter, Avery Friedmann, who was born with numerous medical challenges.

"While holding my precious son and seeing how 'perfect' he was, I reflected on my close friends who had children born with challenges. I then asked God, why couldn't all children be born 'perfect?'" said Johnson.

"Why did these other precious and innocent children have to suffer and be born this way? God then told me, 'I love them and they are special because I made them. Whether or not they were born with a physical challenge, every child will face challenges in this world.' It was soon after this, God gave me the words for 'I Am Special Because God Made Me.'"

Johnson donates profits from the book, one which parents personalize with their children's name, to Avery Friedmann's trust fund.

"With the challenges of printing and distributing a personalized children's book, Abba Books, LLC was set up to not only publish but also print and bind books," said Johnson. "It has been a joy to serve as a vessel through which God can work. To him goes all the glory for this company and the books I write."